Speaker Mike Johnson’s presence at Trump’s trial is a historic moment.

Johnson, second in line for the presidency, labelled the court system as “corrupt,” challenging the legitimacy of the trial against Trump.

Outside the New York courthouse, Johnson dismissed the trial as a politically motivated prosecution rather than seeking justice.

Accompanied by Republican lawmakers, Johnson is leading the charge to support Trump and cast doubt on the validity of the legal proceedings.

Their opposition to the trial is seen as a strategic move to bolster Trump’s chances of returning to the White House and contesting the outcome of the fall election against President Joe Biden.

Johnson’s alliance with Trump underscores a growing rift within the Republican Party and sets the stage for a contentious political landscape leading up to the 2024 election.